Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

Tests and diagnosis Complications Treatments and drugs Lifestyle and home remedies

Definition

Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are extra, abnormal heartbeats that begin in one of your heart's two lower pumping chambers (ventricles). These extra beats disrupt your regular heart rhythm, which normally starts in the upper right chamber (atrium). As a result, you may feel a flip-flop or skipped beat in your chest. Premature ventricular contractions are very common — they occur in most people at some point.

Premature ventricular contractions are also called:

• Premature ventricular complexes
• PVCs
• Ventricular premature beats
• Ectopic heartbeats
• Extrasystoles

Most people who have premature ventricular contractions don't need treatment. If you have occasional extra beats but you are an otherwise healthy person, there's generally no reason for concern and no treatment needed.

If you have frequent symptoms or you have underlying heart disease, you may need treatment to help you feel better and treat underlying heart problems.

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Symptoms